Courses

Get Started in Linguistics! To view our current courses, please visit the Catalog.

LING 220 & LING 220W -  Study of Language & Workshop

An overview and introduction to linguistics—the scientific study of language. This class is a prerequisite for most linguistics classes and comes with an interactive workshop co-requisite where students can deepen their understanding of lecture concepts. Study of Language is taught in multiple sections each semester, but registration is limited to freshmen and sophomores. This class also fulfills the COLL 200 CSI requirement.

Required for All Majors:

LING 304 -  Syntax:

An introduction to theories and models of sentence structure. Get ready to draw some trees! Syntax is usually taught in one section, once a year.

LING 307 -  Phonetics and Phonology:

Delve into systems of sounds and signs across the world’s languages. Great if you love patterns and problem solving! Phonetics & Phonology is usually taught in one section, once a year.

LING 308 -  Sociocultural Linguistics:

Look into the ways that language impacts individuals and communities. Get a fun intro to conducting linguistic fieldwork and research ethics! Sociocultural Linguistics is usually taught in one section every semester. This class also fulfills the COLL 350 requirement.

LING 310 -  Types and Universals:

Explore the diversity of languages, and uncover their commonalities. Take a deep dive into a reference grammar of one of the world’s 7000+ languages! Types & Universals is usually taught in one section, once a year. This class requires Syntax as a pre-requisite.

Elective Requirements:

One (1) Sociocultural Elective:

Popular electives include Language Contact and Change, Introduction to Pragmatics, and Social & Linguistic Theories of Bilingual Speech. These courses may not be offered every semester or even every year. See the course catalogue and W&M PATH for more information.

One (1) Experimental Linguistics Elective:

Popular electives include First Language Acquisition, Experimental Psycholinguistics, and Computational Methods in Language Science.  These courses may not be offered every semester or even every year. See the course catalogue and W&M PATH for more information.

One (1) Subfield Depth Elective

Take one 400-level course (that isn’t counted elsewhere) to build depth. These courses may not be offered every semester or even every year. See the course catalogue and W&M PATH for more information.

One (1) Capstone Elective:

Normally taken in your senior year, but may be taken as a junior. Choose from Linguistic Field Methods, Sociolinguistic Field Methods, Experimental Field Methods, and Evolution of Language.  These courses may not be offered every semester or even every year. See the course catalogue and W&M PATH for more information.

Three (3) Additional Electives:

Choose from a wide array of LING courses. Some courses from other departments may count! These courses may not be offered every semester or even every year. See the course catalogue and W&M PATH for more information.

 

[current as of Spring 2026]